Meet Rave’s VP of Product Strategy: Matt Serra
Matt Serra is the Vice President of Product Strategy at Rave Mobile Safety. Matt has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry and is a certified Emergency Number Professional.
1. Where did you grow up and how did you end up at Rave Mobile safety?
I grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut (most famous for being the home of the 1989 Little League World Champions!). I came to Rave while looking for the next challenge in my career, one that would allow me to apply my telecommunications industry experience at a small innovative software company. I was fortunate to have worked closely with two Rave’s founders while at my previous employer. The timing was right, and the rest is history!
2. Where do you see opportunities for growth and advancement within Rave?
Everywhere! Critical Communications and Collaboration is a universal need, and the world we work, learn, and play within is only becoming more complicated. Not only are there many more ways we can help our customers stay informed and keep their constituents up to date and informed.
3. What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Curious – I like to learn and understand how things work. Open-minded – I like to hear what others think and understand others perspectives. Methodical – I like to find order within chaos and feel confident we are fulfilling our commitments to our customers and our people.
4. What one word would best describe your leadership style?
My team might beg to differ, but I’ll go with “Approachable”! I want them to be as quick to tell the bad as they are to celebrate the good. I work to be a resource that can help them achieve a goals or overcome a challenge standing in their way. I don’t find myself surprised by much that originates from within the team, so I think it’s working!
5. How do you keep yourself up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry?
I try to stay up to date on both industry and professional trends. Industry specific publications, communities, and conferences are a regular source of information. Maintaining professional relationships with customers and partners are critical. Our own Sales, Customer Success, and Support organizations are fantastic sources of information – they help us feel like we can be in many places at once. I also try to stay on top of product Management trends. Books are good to deep-dive on a subject, but the Boston Product Management Association keeps me generally aware of what is going on, and provides venues to discuss these trends with other Product Management professionals.
6. What is your favorite part about working at Rave?
The people! I’m fortunate to have such a great group of bright and passionate professionals on my team. They frequently find ways to surprise me with what they can accomplish. I also really value the way all of the departments come together as a team to serve our customers – we don’t waste time competing with each other. I’ve been fortunate to work in places where I have coworkers that I would choose as friends.
7. If you could travel anywhere right now, where would it be?
Well, it’s February in Massachusetts …. So I really like the thought of spending time with the family sailing between islands in the Caribbean (if only I were properly qualified!) or maybe exploring New Zealand’s south island.
8. Who is your favorite musical artist?
That depends on my mood, on any given day it would be either Keith Richards or Miles Davis!
9. Outside of work, what are your favorite things to do?
I have pretty broad interests. I love making things with my hands, so it’s nice when I can find time to spend in the workshop. Both my son and daughter are involved in Scouts BSA. I enjoy watching them try lots of new things and grow through that activity. In appreciation I get involved and give back wherever I can. I also enjoy reading – especially nonfiction related to people and events of the 19th and 20th centuries.
10. Do you have anything else you’d like to share with our blog readers?
I’d like to thank our customers for being so involved and supportive. It’s great working in an industry where collaborating, exchanging stories, and sharing best practices is the norm. The towns, schools, and businesses we all serve are better for it!
